A deli worker's lawsuit is shedding light on alleged racial discrimination and harassment at a local business. Octavia Lindenmier filed a complaint against 9-A Enterprises, LLC, doing business as Illinois Valley Food & Deli, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 27, 2025. The lawsuit accuses the defendant of race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The case revolves around Lindenmier's employment at Illinois Valley Food & Deli from October 25, 2024, to February 15, 2025. During this period, Lindenmier claims she was subjected to different terms and conditions of employment compared to her Caucasian coworkers. The situation escalated on February 13, 2025, when her manager, Laurie Dorian, allegedly made a racially insensitive comment after using equipment Lindenmier had just cleaned. According to the complaint, Dorian remarked, "Why are Black people always so mad and rude?" This comment was perceived by Lindenmier as reinforcing negative racial stereotypes.
Lindenmier immediately questioned Dorian about her comment but received no response. This incident marked what Lindenmier describes as a pattern of discriminatory behavior by her supervisor. She alleges that she was treated more rudely than her Caucasian colleagues and was ultimately terminated without prior warnings or disciplinary actions due to supposed customer complaints—claims she believes were fabricated following her opposition to Dorian's remarks.
In response to these events, Lindenmier filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and received a Notice of Right to Sue before proceeding with this lawsuit. She asserts that her termination was not only unjust but also retaliatory for challenging discriminatory practices in the workplace.
Lindenmier seeks several forms of relief from the court: back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, reasonable attorney fees and costs, pre-judgment interest if applicable, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Lindenmier is Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details regarding representation for the defendant have not been disclosed in this document. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:25-cv-03306.